Council Approves 2018 Bicycle and Congestion Management Plan

Tourist bicycles on Bridgeway

With another tourist bicycle season on the way, the Sausalito City Council approved a Bicycle and Congestion Management Plan for 2018 at its meeting on Tuesday, February 27. The overarching goal of the plan is to make downtown Sausalito a safer and more orderly place during the seasonal influx of bicyclists and pedestrians, most of whom are exploring our town while they wait for a ferry ride back to San Francisco.

The basic elements of the Bicycle and Congestion Management Plan include:

Ambassadors directing bicycles at the south gateway to Sausalito and at the intersection of Bridgeway and Princess Street

A paid parking lot for bicycles on Tracy Way

A bicycle return service that will take bicycles back to San Francisco by truck for a small fee

In approving the 2018 plan, the Council agreed to a contract with Sausalito Bike Return to provide ambassador, bicycle parking, and bicycle return services from March 23 to October 14. Sausalito Bike Return is a private company owned and operated by John and Lisa Scopazzi. In 2017, working under contract with the City, Sausalito Bike Return transported 5,698 bicycles from Sausalito to San Francisco.

Per the contract for 2018, Sausalito Bicycle Return will provide bicycle parking and return services on a daily basis. Ambassador services will be offered seven days a week during the busy summer months of June, July, and August; and three days a week (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) during the other months.

Although safety rather than revenue is the primary goal of the Bicycle and Congestion Management Plan, the contract with Sausalito Bicycle Return is structured such that the City of Sausalito anticipates receiving approximately $25,000 as its share of revenue from bicycle parking and return. The fee for bicycle parking in the Tracy Way lot is expected to be $3 per bike, with $12 as the charge for bicycle return to San Francisco.

Drone Ordinance Becomes Law on March 29

On February 27, the Sausalito City Council adopted a new ordinance regulating the operation of drones (a.k.a. "unmanned aircraft systems") within City limits. The ordinance will become effective on March 29, 2018. Included in the ordinance are the following restrictions on the operation of drones in Sausalito:

Drones may not be operated outside of daylight hours, at a height of more than 400 feet above the ground, or at speeds over 20 mph

Drones may not be operated within 25 feet of any individual (except the operator and except during takeoff and landing)

Drones must always be within the line of sight of the person operating the drone

Drones may not be used for audio or video recording where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy

Drones may not be operated in such a way as to harass, intimidate, annoy, threaten, or vex another person

Drone operators may not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Violators of the new regulations may be subject to fines and confiscation of the offending drone. To report a violation of the ordinance after it becomes effective on March 29, please contact the Sausalito Police Department at (415) 289-4170. The ordinance will be enforced on a complaint basis. Any questions about the new regulations may be directed to Lieutenant Bill Fraass at bfraass@sausalito.gov.

Trees Trimmed on Bridgeway

Ash trees in the Bridgeway median

The City of Sausalito began tree work along the northern section of Bridgeway on Monday, February 26. The project is expected to be completed by March 6, but may take longer depending on wind and rain.

City contractor Bartlett Tree Service is performing the work, which entails:

Pruning twenty-three Sycamore trees

Pruning sixteen Ash trees

Pruning two Eucalyptus trees

Removing three dying trees

Shaping twelve Sycamore trees that were pruned a few years ago

The work is being done to maintain the health of the trees, improve their appearance, and ensure the safety of pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles traveling under the trees.

Any questions about the project may be directed to Parks and Recreation Director Mike Langford at mlangford@sausalito.gov or Public Works Division Manager Loren Umbertis at lumbertis@sausalito.gov.

Partial Closure of Sausalito Boulevard Slated for March 6

A map showing the closure area and detours

A section of Sausalito Boulevard will be closed to through traffic on Tuesday, March 6 so that a potentially hazardous Eucalyptus tree can be removed from a lot owned by Caltrans. The closure area will begin just south of 480 Sausalito Boulevard and continue southward for approximately 200 feet. Road closure and detour signs will be set up at the intersection of Sausalito Boulevard and Crescent Avenue on the north side of the project, and at the intersection of Sausalito Boulevard and Edwards Avenue on the south side of the project.

If you have any questions about the tree work or the road closure, please contact Charles Slesinger at The Professional Tree Care Company, (415) 265-0028. The Caltrans representative for the project is Alex Gustafson, (510) 719-7563. Questions may also be directed to Senior Civil Engineer Andrew Davidson at adavidson@sausalito.gov.

Have Coffee with a Cop on March 8

Lt. Bill Fraass at a recent Coffee with a Cop event in Sausalito

Coffee with a Cop provides a great opportunity for members of the community and officers from the Sausalito Police Department to get together on an informal basis to discuss local issues, build relationships, and drink coffee. The next Coffee with a Cop event will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 8 at Firehouse Coffee, 317 Johnson Street. Everyone is welcome.

The majority of contacts that law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction. Any questions about Coffee with a Cop may be directed to the Sausalito Police Department at (415) 289-4170.

Outdoor Movie Night Goes "Back to the Future" on March 9

The scene in Gabrielson Park at Outdoor Movie Night in October 2017

Outdoor Movie Night returns to Gabrielson Park on Friday, March 9 with a screening of Back to the Future (1985, 116 minutes), starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Dr. Emmett Brown. The movie will begin when the sun goes down at around 6:30 p.m. The event is free, just come with a blanket and find a spot on the grass. Popcorn will be available for purchase, and you are welcome to bring your own picnic.

Unfortunately, the Outdoor Movie Night on March 9 is not rain or shine, and will be canceled if there is inclement weather that day. Keep an eye on the Outdoor Movie Night webpage for the latest information.

Any questions about Outdoor Movie Night may be directed to the City of Sausalito Recreation Department at (415) 289-4152 or jmyers@sausalito.gov.

Recap of February 27 City Council Meeting

A regular meeting of the Sausalito City Council was held on Tuesday, February 27. The following, in red italics, is a brief summary of actions taken at the meeting (for a full report, watch the recording from the meeting).

Adopted Resolution No. 5700 Approving and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional/Consulting Services Agreement with Parisi CSW Design Group for Preparation of Bid Documents for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Tennis Court Rehabilitation and Field Grading and Drainage Improvement Projects.

4C. Waive Further Reading, Read by Title Only and Adopt Ordinance No. 1252 an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Sausalito Amending Chapter 5.12 of the Sausalito Municipal Code Entitled "Taxicabs - For-Hire Vehicles" (Read the Staff Report, Attachment 1- Ordinance No. 1252)

Waived Further Reading, Read by Title Only and Adopted Ordinance No. 1252 an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Sausalito Amending Chapter 5.12 of the Sausalito Municipal Code Entitled "Taxicabs – For-Hire Vehicles."

Waived Further Reading, Read by Title Only and Adopted Ordinance No. 1253 an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Sausalito Adding Chapter 12.40 "Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft" to Title 12 of the Sausalito Municipal Code.

The Council approved the proposed 2018 Bicycle and Congestion Management Plan including:• The seasonal closure of Tracy Way• The urgent situation use of the area in front of Bank of America for overflow bicycle parking• Authorizing the Chief of Police to make changes in the plan as he determines necessary given the many moving pieces to this operation to manage congestion and parking, with the requirement that the Chief of Police report back to the City Council as needed• Adoption of Resolution No. 5702 of the City Council of the City of Sausalito Approving the Congestion Management Services agreement with Sausalito Bike Return from March 23, 2018, to October 14, 2018, with revisions

The Council Waived First Reading, and Read by Title Only and Introduced an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Sausalito Amending Chapter 16.04 of the Sausalito Municipal Code to Add Regulations for the Use of the Turney Street Boat Ramp and Dock.

The Council adopted Resolution No. 5703 Amending the Revised and Restated Master Fee Schedule Adopted in FY2008-09 and Amended in FY2016-17 effective May 1, 2018 in addition to the amendments to fee schedule itself outlined by the Administrative Services Director and the amendment by the Council to notice any increases as required at least 30 days in advance of the increase.

Updates from Boards and Commissions

Each week, on a rotating schedule, this section will provide highlights of the recent activities of one or more of the boards, commissions, and special committees representing the City of Sausalito. More information about City of Sausalito boards and commissions and City Council special committees may be found on the City of Sausalito website.

Planning Commission. The following actions were taken at the Planning Commission meeting on February 21, 2018:

Continued a request for a Design Review Permit to allow a second story addition to an existing one-story commercial building and a request for a Tree Removal Permit to remove two protected trees located at 813-817 Bridgeway (Fish and Chips). The matter was continued to the March 7, 2018 meeting to allow the applicant to consider design changes to the storefront.

The next Planning Commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The following items are scheduled:

Administrative Citation Hearing to consider all relevant information pertaining to an unauthorized tree alteration on private property located at 111 Prospect Avenue, and to impose an administrative fine, remedial order, or both, as deemed necessary.

Design Review Permit request to allow a second-story addition to an existing one-story commercial building and a request for a Tree Removal Permit to remove two protected trees located at 813-817 Bridgeway (Fish and Chips).

Appeal of an administrative decision approving a Zoning Permit to allow for the expansion of a second-floor deck on the structure's east elevation for the property at 27 Central Avenue.

All Planning Commission meetings are live streamed and video recorded. If you have any questions about the Planning Commission or an item under consideration, please contact the Community Development Department (CDD) at (415) 289-4128. The CDD public counter in City Hall is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon.

Library Board of Trustees. The next monthly meeting of the Library Board of Trustees will be held on Thursday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Friends of the Library Bookstore on the upper level of Sausalito City Hall. Topics on the agenda include an amendment to the Library behavior policy to address instances of harassment of patrons and staff, and an update on a pilot program to stop charging fines on most of the Library's collection of books for adults. All meetings of the Library Board of Trustees are open to the public.

The role of the Library Board is to review the administration of Library operations, make recommendations, and establish policies. The Library Board serves as liaison between the Library and the community, and between the Library and the City Council. Questions about the Library Board of Trustees may be directed to achambers@sausalito.gov.

News from City Departments

Administration. Call a Ride for Sausalito Seniors (CARSS) was founded in 2015 as a result of the hard work of the City's Age Friendly Task Force. After surveying the community, the task force developed a plan prioritizing the needs of aging residents, and local transportation was at the top of the list. In 2017, CARSS and its team of volunteer drivers provided more than 1,500 rides to residents of Sausalito and the floating homes who are age 60 and older.

Unfortunately, CARSS is running low on volunteer drivers. If you have been thinking about volunteering in Sausalito, this is a great time to start. CARSS requests that volunteers drive a minimum of one four-hour shift per month, or one there-and-back ride to an evening program at the Sausalito Library or another local venue. To start the application process to become a CARSS driver, please call (415) 944-5474 or download an application.

Parks and Recreation. Weekly tables for 2018 Jazz and Blues by the Bay concerts will go on sale at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 5. For more information or to reserve a table for a specific date, please call (415) 289-4152 or stop by the Parks and Recreation window on the lower level of City Hall. Tables are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those who make in-person requests. The cost for a weekly table is $60 for residents, $70 for non-residents.

Things Happening in Our Community

Sausalito Writers' Circle. Looking for a supportive group to share your writing with? Ready to tackle that story, novel, or poem? Interested in providing feedback to others? Whether you're an aspiring writer, a seasoned veteran, or somewhere in between, come join us on Sunday, March 4 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room. Your host at this Sausalito Library program is Sausalito resident, published author, and experienced workshop facilitator, Cindy Knoebel. If interested in attending, please join our Meetup group and RSVP. The Writers' Circle typically meets twice per month.

Praҫa de Cascais. If you would like to learn more about an exciting new plaza that will be taking shape in the next few months in the heart of downtown Sausalito, please join us for a Sausalito-Cascais Sister City reception at the Sausalito Yacht Club from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 5. Speakers will include Sausalito Mayor Joan Cox, the Portuguese Consul General of San Francisco, the project architect, the contractor, and the landscape consultant. Construction of the decorative Portuguese mosaic will begin in April 2018 and finish in late May 2018 on City property in front of the Bank of America at the corner of Bridgeway and Anchor Street. The Sausalito Yacht Club is located at 100 Humboldt Avenue.

Met Opera Preview: Semiramide by Rossini. The Sausalito Public Library's Met Opera Preview series for 2017-18 continues on Tuesday, March 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the Edgewater Room of City Hall with a preview of the upcoming Metropolitan Opera performance of Gioachino Rossini's Semiramide. Host Tom Wilhite will present background information about the composer and opera and a selection of audio and video clips from past performances. Tom's preview takes place on the Tuesday before the Saturday morning Live in HD simulcast from the Met.

Coffee with a Cop. Coffee with a Cop provides a great opportunity for members of the community and officers from the Sausalito Police Department to come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss local issues, build relationships, and drink coffee. The next Coffee with a Cop event will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 8 at Firehouse Coffee, 317 Johnson Street. The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

Richardson's Bay Regional Agency Public Workshop. The Richardson's Bay Regional Agency (RBRA) invites the public to participate in a community workshop at its meeting on Thursday, March 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Tiburon Town Hall, 1505 Tiburon Boulevard. The RBRA Board is engaged in discussions about setting future direction for the Bay and its anchorage, with initial action scheduled for its meeting of April 5, 2018.

Outdoor Movie Night. Come watch Back to the Future (1985, 116 minutes) on the big screen with surround sound in beautiful Gabrielson Park at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 9. Enjoy the lawn seating, beautiful view, and a great movie. The event is free, just come with a blanket and find a spot on the grass. Popcorn will be available for purchase, and you are welcome to bring your own picnic. Any questions about Outdoor Movie Night may be directed to the City of Sausalito Recreation Department at (415) 289-4152 or jmyers@sausalito.gov. Outdoor Movie Night will be canceled if there is inclement weather; keep an eye on the Outdoor Movie Night webpage for the latest information.

Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies. You've probably heard about the bewildering rise (and fall) in value of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple. But what exactly is a cryptocurrency? How do they work, how are they created, and how are they valued? Join financial advisor and Sausalito resident Michael Henry on Thursday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers for a fascinating look at the new world of blockchain and cryptocurrency. This program is presented by the Sausalito Library. Please note that this talk is for educational purposes only and is not investment advice of any kind. Michael is speaking on the topic based on his own interest and is not representing the views of his employer, Merrill Lynch.

Sausalito Goes to the Movies. Film critic and Sausalito resident Jan Wahl will be at the Sausalito Library on Friday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m. to share stories about the many films shot in Sausalito over the years. Jan's talk will be punctuated by memorable clips from great and not-so-great films such as The Lady from Shanghai, Superdad, The Killer Elite, and Serial. This program kicks off a series of Friday evening screenings of movies with scenes shot in Sausalito. The series will continue through April 6.

Scholarship Opportunity. The Sausalito Woman's Club Scholarship Recognition Fund (SWCSRF) is currently accepting scholarship applications for the 2018-2019 academic year. Completed applications are due no later than Friday, March 16, 2018. Permanent residents living in the Sausalito Marin City School District who are planning to initiate or continue their education at an accredited college, graduate school, vocational school, or art school are eligible to apply. For additional information, contact the scholarship coordinator at swcsrfapplications@gmail.com or write to: SWCSRF/Application Committee, P.O. Box 3045, Sausalito, CA 94966.

St. Patrick's Day Dinner. The Star of the Sea Church Men's Club is hosting a St. Patrick's Day Dinner for the Sausalito community at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 17. Dinner will be a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner, accompanied by music, a silent auction, and a raffle. There will also be a no host bar with wine and Irish coffee. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door: $20 for adults, $5 for children. Reservations may be placed by sending email to staroftheseamensclub@gmail.com. The Star of the Sea Church is located at 180 Harrison Street in Sausalito.

Coloring & Doodling Party for Adults. Come relax and join the coloring party on Tuesday, March 20 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Edgewater Room of City Hall. We provide a stress-free atmosphere, soothing music, and delicious refreshments so you can unleash your imagination. The Sausalito Library provides all coloring supplies and bookmarks and buttons made from your artwork. Seating is limited for this free program. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Rebecca at rburgan@sausalito.gov or (415) 289-4100 x502. The Library also offers a variety of coloring books for adults to take home, color, and return. Leave your artwork in the book for others to see! Need coloring implements? Boxes of colored pencils are now available for in-Library use.

Growing Strawberries and Blueberries. Are you interested in growing strawberries and/or blueberries, or have you tried to do so unsuccessfully in the past? Join us in the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 22 to learn which varieties of blueberries and strawberries are recommended, how to plant and care for them, and what to do about diseases and pests. Presenter Judy Orsini is a member of the Edibles and Plant Identification Guilds of the UC Marin Master Gardener organization. This program is part of a series of talks by Master Gardeners presented by the Library and Sausalito Beautiful, in conjunction with the University of California Cooperative Extension Marin Master Gardeners.

The Lady from Shanghai. The Sausalito Library's "Sausalito Goes to the Movies" series continues at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 23 with a screening of the 1947 noir classic, The Lady from Shanghai (87 minutes). The film stars Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth and features two famous scenes shot on Sausalito's Old Town waterfront. Keep an eye out for the Walhalla and Nunes Brothers Boat Works.

Totally '80s Dance Party. This year's Willow Creek Academy Annual Fundraiser is bringing back the '80s. Come join the fun on Saturday, March 24 at IDESST Hall, 511 Caledonia Street. Get ready to dance and laugh with friends and neighbors, while supporting your community. Tickets are $100 for the Burger and Bourbon dinner with spirits tasting from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and $35 for the Totally '80s Dance Party from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Great deals will be available at the silent auction. All proceeds from the event will support Willow Creek Academy's S.M.A.R.T. program. Tickets are limited.

Met Opera Preview: Così Fan Tutte by Mozart. The Sausalito Library's Met Opera Preview series for 2017-18 continues on Tuesday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the Edgewater Room of City Hall with a preview of the upcoming Metropolitan Opera performance of Così Fan Tutte by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Host Tom Wilhite will present background information about the composer and opera and a selection of audio and video clips from past performances. Tom's preview takes place on the Tuesday before the Saturday morning Live in HD simulcast from the Met.

Our Water, What's the Story? Join us at the Sausalito Woman's Club at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28 for a special program co-sponsored by the Sausalito Library. Speaker Armando Quintero is the 2018 President of the Marin Municipal Water District Board of Directors. He is also the Executive Director of the Sierra Nevada Research Institute at UC Merced and the Chair of the California Water Commission, to which he was appointed by Governor Brown in 2014. In his talk, Armando will discuss the water world of Marin and California and how we are preparing for an uncertain future. Refreshments will be available when the doors open at 7:00 p.m. Carpooling is recommended, as parking is limited on Central Avenue. Attendance is free, but please help gauge attendance by sending an RSVP to Julie Carlson at carlson.juli@gmail.com.

We'll Always Have Paris. KALW film critic Peter Robinson invites you to a "Parisian soirée" at the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 29.We'll explore the culture and history of Paris from La Belle Epoque to the present, listen to famous songs, and watch clips of some of the great movies set in Paris. This will be Peter's eighth Sausalito Library program. Past programs include "A Noel Coward Soirée," "David Lean Revisited," and "Sex Upstairs & Downstairs in Downton Abbey." All are welcome, no RSVP necessary.

Impact. The third program in the Sausalito Library's "Sausalito Goes to the Movies" series is a screening of Impact (1949), an excellent but little-known film noir starring Brian Donlevy and Ella Raines. The film features an extended shot of downtown Sausalito as it looked in the late 1940s. The screening will take place inside the Library on Friday, March 30 beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Get Ready Marin. A free Get Ready class will be given at the Tamalpais Community Center on Saturday, March 31 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Coordinator Maggie Lang will show how to prepare for hazards we may experience in Marin, including best practices for evacuation in case of fire. The class will take less than two hours and is open to all. Please join us, even if you can't stay for the entire event. The Tamalpais Community Center is located at 203 Marin Avenue in Mill Valley.

Rodent Prevention and Control Workshop. Got rats or other rodent problems? The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District wants to help! Join us on Thursday, April 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers to learn how to recognize rodent activity, ways to reduce attractants and harborage on your property, the best non-toxic methods for rodent control, and how to rodent-proof your home. Presenter Nick Picinich is the Rodent Control Specialist for the Vector Control District. Nick is certified by the California Department of Public Health as a vector control technician and has twelve years of experience working for the district. This program is presented by the Sausalito Library.

Dear Brigitte. The final program in the Sausalito Library's "Sausalito Goes to the Movies" series is a screening of Dear Brigitte (1965, 100 minutes). The film features Jimmy Stewart as absent-minded professor and poet Robert Leaf, whose math-genius son has a crush on Brigitte Bardot. Professor Leaf and his family live on a houseboat at Gate 6 Road. The screening will take place inside the Library on Friday, April 6 beginning at 7:30 p.m.